Portman optimistic on immigration

Sen. Rob Portman said Tuesday that he is optimistic about the prospects for immigration reform on Capitol Hill this year.

“I think something will pass the Senate this year,” Portman (R-Ohio) said at POLITICO’s Morning Money breakfast. “The question is whether that can be reconciled with [legislation from the House].”

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A group of eight senators is currently trying to work out a compromise on immigration, and while they continue to report progress is being made, a deal has yet to be reached.

Portman noted a “broad consensus” on issues such as employer verification, border security, high-skilled visas and the future of so-called DREAM Act children on Capitol Hill.

And he said the disagreements that have so far surfaced — for instance, over what do with lower-skilled workers — do not necessarily mean immigration reform is doomed.

Portman also said he was so far “encouraged” with President Barack Obama’s approach to the negotiations — remaining primarily hands-off and letting a group of key senators work out the details on their own.

“I think in this case, the president seems to want to have a result,” Portman said. “I think up to now, the politics had worked pretty well for him … but I’m hopeful that the political calculation has changed now.”

The Ohio senator said Obama’s role in the immigration debate was critical to “provide support and cover” for Democrats.

This article first appeared on POLITICO Pro at 8:39 a.m. on April 9, 2013.